Independence, Ohio. July 17, 2013. Nidec Avtron Automation Corporation is proud to announce the launch of its new line of Avtron ATEX certified hazardous duty encoders – the SMARTSafe™ XR series.

These hazardous duty encoders are approved for use in applications such as oil & gas drilling, industrial metal painting lines, and grain handling and storage equipment. For the oil and gas market, Avtron hazardous duty encoders are approved for ATEX Zone 1 and 2 environments. For dust environments, Avtron hazardous duty encoders are approved for ATEX Zone 21 and 22.

Many "hazardous duty" encoders on the market are actually repackaged optical encoders. Avtron hazardous duty SMARTSafe™ XR encoders are heavy and severe duty units that are environmentally and electrically protected against wiring errors, and have magnetic sensors and huge bearings. Our modular XR encoders also have potted electronics to protect against wiring errors, and they eliminate bearings and seals which allows better operation and longer life in these environments.

The new line of Avtron SMARTSafe™ XR encoders provides a full range of installation styles including shafted, hollow shaft, and modular no-bearing styles.

Nidec-Avtron's Encoder Product Manager Brian Winter explains: "Many companies have been struggling with encoder reliability problems -- our new XR line of encoders gives them the reliability they demand with the safety certifications they need for hazardous applications, whether the hazard is explosive gas or dust."

Avtron SMARTSafe™ XR encoders are more reliable than existing hazardous duty models, yet they are designed to fit existing applications without mechanical or electrical modifications. Visit www.nidec-avtron.com/hazardous-duty for product information about each of these encoders.

Nidec Avtron Automation manufactures Avtron encoders which are recognized worldwide as the market leader in heavy duty encoders, used to provide precise speed and position control in applications where encoder reliability is important.